What does it take to be a pet owner? Is it patience? Love, understanding and persistence?
This is Chester. Chester found his home February of 2007. While many of us may be in search of that perfect companion or family member addition, it may not always be that fairytale match we had hoped for.
This is a story straight from the hearts of Chester's family who chose the hard road by offering love, understanding and patience in place of that everpresent need to give up at times when it seems there is no end to a pup's behavioral habits.
Exhausting every avenue possible, finally, Chester's family identified what he was really asking for from them. Please think of Chester on those days when you need that small dose of patience with your furry friend.
Please join RROC in highlighting one of our special success stories straight from the family themselves. Enjoy and remember, these are just a few of those who represent how to be "A RROC for the animals.
Love at first site
Chester is movie star handsome. Okay, he is at least website handsome as he is pictured on the front page of the RROC website, but looks can be deceiving and I am certain that Chester's good looks were the beginning of his downfall.
This golden boy was used as a stud dog, but when his services were no longer required, he was given to someone. Chester enjoyed snacking on this person's golf shoes and that, apparently, was enough for his owner. Chester joined the RROC program in early December of '06. My family was asked to foster Chester and being that he was one of the the most beautiful goldens we had ever seen, we were instantly smitten and couldn't say no.
Let's try the crate
Never trust a foster dog is my policy. When we would leave the house, Chester was crated while my other goldens were free to roam. I quickly discovered that upon my return poor Chester had worked himself into a lather, literally. It was then that we decided the crate was not for him.
Home #1 & 2
He was adopted by a wonderful family who kept him in the laundry room, but the family soon realized this may not be the best match as Chester dismantled the bathroom and laundry room like a one-dog professional demolition crew. It was back to the Riley's for Chester.
The second family where Chester was placed prepared to work with him and truly attempted to make improvements with him to the best of their ability. Long story short, Chester came back to the Riley's. At this point, my family wanted to keep him but I was against it. Chester immediately went off to at a wonderful daycare facility with his own personal trainer. A crate was built for him from the bottom up, one piece at a time and graduation would arrive when he is able to spend the night in the crate without going crazy.
I began to think about Chester more and more and could not stand the fact that he was in a kennel. I requested to RROC to let me take him to our house. Chester returned but no, he was still not happy in the crate.
Welcome back Chester...for good
My husband and I took Chester to the Canine and Cupids event which RROC participates in. It iwas there that Chester's good looks deceived everyone once again. It seemed no matter how many times or serious tones I would project in explanation of his severe anxiety, people truly believed they could handle it. After the event, my husband and I adopted Chester. I felt in my heart that no one could take care of him or understand him the way our family could.
We signed papers, wrote the check and went out to purchase him his official "Chester Riley" tag. With his new family in place, we were certain love would be the conquerer of his fears. We were wrong.
Meanwhile, back at the Riley Ranch...
It has been several months since Chester has become an official Riley family member and I have shed my fair share of tears of frustration. Chester's separation anxiety appeared to worsen with each new day. He frequently tries his hand at counter surfing and recruits our other dogs to become house manner-outlaws as well, which doesn't help. He became a terror when no one was home and this radiant, talented creature managed to open jars so all three dogs were all able to enjoy a 120-tablet bottle of glucosamine pills, and one bottle of grass saver pills with a side of multiple bags of chips and cookies. The after-hours party menu consisted of some revitalizing cleansing, including shots of hydrogen peroxide. He continued with his ways, making quick work of glass blenders and cookie jars and was working his way up to becoming a professional food thief while not only putting himself in jeopardy, but also the our other two dogs.
I was really beginning to think there was no end at that point. Everytime I walk out the door whether it is a few hours or 20 minutes, Chester was in some kind of trouble. We solicited a vet behaviorist to no avail with the vet and Rescue standing behind me in support of my decision that Chester was unhappy and the best thing for him is to go to his resting place. I visited the vet, I was devastated, my children are devastated and even my husband is upset.
The ending result
The drug manufacturer called to assign a new behaviorist and I tried all their suggestions. Then, the ultimate question was posed; "Do you have a doggie door?" The answer was no, but since I am was not ready to quit I simply left the sliding glass door open. Guess what? Chester didn't destroy anything! Yesterday was a key day in his recovery and his chance to remove himself from death row. Five whole hours yesterday and he did not touch a thing. I felt the urge to dance a jig, scream from the rooftops, and tell the world, "Our Chester did good today".
So, is my story a success story? The answer is yes. Every day, every minute that Chester is alive and not in trouble IS a success. We love this dog more than anyone can imagine and we could never quit on him, after all, his tag says "Chester Riley".